Truckee Fact Sheet

2010-05-01

Location
Truckee is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Northern California, 200 miles northeast of San Francisco; 100 miles east of Sacramento, Calif.; 35 miles west of Reno, Nev.; and 12 miles north of Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Coldest Spot in the Nation?
Truckee has often been recognized as the coldest spot in the nation, but not during the winter ski season as one might expect. These nippy temperatures are noteworthy because they occur from June through early October. While it may be true, it really doesn't give a true picture of Truckee's pristine California weather pattern. Official temperatures are taken at the Truckee-Tahoe Airport, located in Martis Valley. On clear nights, cool air from the high mountains sink downslope into the valley, a high-elevation basin. The dense air mass settles into the basin, creating a chilled microclimate contributing to the chilly readings. As the sun begins to rise, so does the temperature, creating enviable summer and fall temperatures.

Note: The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is conducting several construction projects on Interstate 80 between Colfax, California and the Nevada State line. Actual project timelines may vary, but weather permitting construction will take place between March and November each year from 2009-2013. Improvements to I-80 include removal and replacement of worn roadway, rehabilitation of ramps, improving drainage, widening of shoulders and replacement of metal guardrails.

Drivers may experience delays due to construction and/or rerouting of traffic may be necessary. For construction schedules and timelines, detour information and project updates, drivers can visit www.GetAcross80.com.

The Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Information Center, located in the train depot in historic downtown Truckee, is the Transportation Hub for Truckee:

Rail Access/Bus Access
Amtrak stops in Truckee, once a day eastbound and once a day westbound. There is no Amtrak agent in Truckee. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL (872-7245) or visit www.amtrak.com.

Amtrak buses stop in Truckee three times a day (Westbound only). For more information, call 800-USA-RAIL (872-7245).

Greyhound stops in Truckee three times a day Tues-Thurs; five times a day Fri-Mon. Tickets can be purchased in advance from Greyhound, from the bus driver when boarding bus in Truckee. For more information, call Greyhound at 800-231-2222 or visit www.greyhound.com.

Local Transportation

Airport Shuttle – North Lake Tahoe Express: Travelers can book reservations on a 21-passenger shuttle that runs between the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Truckee-Tahoe. To make reservations, call 866-216-5222 or book online at www.northlaketahoeexpress.com.

TART (Tahoe Area Regional Transit): connects Truckee with North and West Shores of Lake Tahoe 800-736-6365; 530-550-1212; www.laketahoetransit.com.

Summer Activities
Truckee is truly a recreational paradise. The many nearby lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams
are ideal for boating, windsurfing, water skiing, kayaking, swimming and fishing. There are endless trails for biking, mountain biking and horseback riding, with easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Donner Summit and surrounding areas are a mecca for rock climbers. Truckee has spectacular golf courses with dramatic mountain scenery.

Winter Activities
Truckee offers easy access to eight world-class ski resorts with outstanding terrain for skiing and snowboarding. There are three cross-country ski resorts with miles of trail and terrains and huts for backcountry ski treks. Other Truckee winter recreation includes snowmobiling, snow shoeing, sledding, sleigh rides and dog sled tours.